Parenting Without Tears

Princess DisGrace First Term at Tall Towers by Lou Kuenzler

Alex Bell and her daughter, Pippa, review the first in Lou Kuenzler's Princess DisGrace series – First Term at Tall Towers.

Echo Boy by Matt Haig

Published by The Bodley Head, Matt Haig's powerful YA novel set in the future, Echo Boy, should be on everyone's "to be read list" writes Anne Coates.

Black & White Publishing have published the first two books: Jack Shian and the King's Chalice and Jack Shian and the Mapa Mundi in Andrew Symon's The Shian Quest Trilogy which should appeal to YA and independent readers who love a good magical adventure, writes Anne Coates.

Kicking a Ball by Allan Ahlberg

From Puffin Books, Kicking a Ball by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by Sébastien Braun is a joy to read, as Anne and Harriet Coates discovered.

Silent Saturday by Helen Grant

Silent Saturday by Helen Grant is a gripping novel for teenagers but also a great read for adults as Anne Coates discovered.

Goodnight Pirate by Michelle Robinson

Goodnight Pirate by Michelle Robinson and illustrated by Nick East is another great children's book from the Puffin Books stable. Harriet was delighted to have a comapnion to Goodnight Digger, as Anne Coates discovered.

Horace the Haggis books by Sally Magnusson

Sally Magnusson has written two children's books: Horace and the Haggis Hunter and Horace and the Ghost Dog, both beautifully illustrated by Norman Stone.

The Booktrust Best Book shortlist

The Booktrust Best Book Awards with Amazon Kindle today revealed its shortlist – winners will be announced during Chilrden;s Book Week 30 June to 4 July, 2014.

My Mummy Says by Justine Smith

With words by Justine Smith and illustrated by the captivating style of Angie Stevens, My Mummy Says is a charming board book that will enchant small children and emphasises the special relationship between mother and child, writes Anne Coates.

World Book Day 2014

Every year on World Book Day, designated by Unesco as a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading, each child in a in full-time education will be given a £1 book token. These can be exchanged for one of ten books or as part payment for other books.

Free colour-in picture book for World Book Day

To celebrate World Book Day Eggnogg are offering a free book to download: Under The Weather Wendy: A colour-in Picture Book.

THE LEGO MOVIE: The Essential Guide

If you enjoyed the film, you'll love the book. Alex Bell and her son, Toby, review THE LEGO MOVIE: The Essential Guide from DK.

Zoe and Beans board books

Macmillan Children's Books proudly announce the publication of two brand new board books from award-winning father and daughter parntership Chloe and Mick Inkpen: Zoe and Beans Hello ladybird! and Zoe and Beans We're not scared! Anne Coates shared them with a delighted Harriet.

Waterstones Children’s Book Prize short lists

Books: children & YA

Princess DisGrace First Term at Tall Towers by Lou Kuenzler

Echo Boy by Matt Haig

The Shian Quest Trilogy

Kicking a Ball by Allan Ahlberg

Silent Saturday by Helen Grant

Goodnight Pirate by Michelle Robinson

Horace the Haggis books by Sally Magnusson

The Booktrust Best Book shortlist

My Mummy Says by Justine Smith

World Book Day 2014

Free colour-in picture book for World Book Day

THE LEGO MOVIE: The Essential Guide

Zoe and Beans board books

Waterstones Children’s Book Prize short lists

Broken Bargain by Clare Davidson

Unbored by Joshua Glenn & Elizabeth Foy Larsen

Horse and Pony Colours by Lesley Lodge

I just Get So... Angry by Timothy Bowden and Sandra Bowden